Traditionally called Confession, the Sacrament of Penance is all about healing. Everyone occasionally does things they regret or perhaps know they shouldn’t have done, and that’s why the Sacrament of Penance is so important. Remember, no matter what you have done, God loves you and is ready to forgive you. But first you need to speak to God about what happened, and Catholics do that through a ritual of confession, penance and absolution.

The idea of confessing something you did wrong to someone might make you anxious or uncomfortable, and the Church understands this. That is why Catholic priests are bound to a seal of confession. This means a Catholic priest can never repeat any sins you confess to him in the confessional to anyone for any reason. Penance is a sacrament of forgiveness and celebrates God’s love and mercy towards us.

In Surfers Paradise Parish, our Children’s Sacramental Program concludes with preparation for and celebration of this sacrament of healing we know as Reconciliation. Children who have been baptised and confirmed, and received their First Communion would usually complete the program with preparation for Reconciliation. This part of the program takes approximately three weeks, starting in the latter part of Semester Two in the second year of enrolment in our program. 

With the guidance and support of the Surfers Paradise Sacramental Team, parents are required to assist their child through the discussions, prayer and associated learning tasks provided. No re-enrolment or further payment will be required as payment of $150 was received at the start of the program (previous year).

Children and families who are new to the parish and are wishing to join our sacramental program at this point are invited to complete the steps above. Once the completed form has been submitted and received these families will be included in all email correspondence relating to the appropriate sacrament and partial costing will be provided. 

Our Surfers Paradise Sacramental Team strives to understand and work to respond to the needs of each family and where necessary; the needs of individuals within families. If you wish to discuss your particular circumstances or you have questions about any of the sacraments through which God can communicate his abundant grace and love, please contact our Children’s Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson (an********@**************et.au) to start the conversation.

Sacramental information is often included in our Surfers Paradise Parish Newsletter so please click here and subscribe to our e-newsletter.